A business opportunity for entrepreneurs with disabilities returns for the second year in January, supported by Tree Shepherd, Status Employment and Croydon Council.

The Supported Self-Employment Academy course starts up in January 2019 and is already open for applications.

It will cost £2,000 and will be commencing for ten days over ten weeks and includes lessons in networking and creating your own business; pitching your own business and making your first sale.

Yvonne, one of the people who attended the last year’s course, diagnosed with anxiety and learning difficulties, now designs and sells calendars with inspirational quotes to help improve mental health.

She said: “When I arrived I was terrified, but gradually we got to know each- other and I have made some firm friends and learnt so much. You need to look past disabilities, to see that everyone is unique and has something to offer”.

Students will be offered individual tailored support to help them find their way during this challenging journey of starting up a business.

Robert Elston, Chief Executive of Status Employment, said “It is a ground-breaking academy for disabled people and we will help people through the system from start to finish”.

This will be the second year of running the course after its huge success from last year, where fifteen residents from Croydon with a range of disabilities took part.

Previous students are now kicking off their businesses as web designers, florists, and gluten-free restauranteurs, amongst other trades.

CEO of Tree Shepherd, Colin Crooks said: “I am delighted we can offer this course again. All the entrepreneurs we work with are amazing at supporting each other, and we saw this in spades in Croydon”.